Elizabeth “Betty” Jean Emmerson

Diet Coke lost its most loyal customer on July 6, 2022. Elizabeth “Betty” Emmerson. Oh how she loved a large, no ice diet coke from McDonalds or anywhere really. She was born in Vegreville, Alberta on June 28, 1939 to Ruby (Svekla) and Toder Kelba. She had 3 brothers, Nestor Kelba, Doug Kelba and Grant Kelba whom she was very close with and often said how in “awe” she was of her talented brothers. She was a beloved Mother to Ryan Eugene Emmerson (Jennifer) and Leslie Jean Vickers (David Arbuthnot), grandmother to Ashley Vickers (Darren), Scott Vickers (Lauren), Kendra Vickers (Jake), Lesley Vickers (Kelsey), Laura Near (Mark), Nicole Arbuthnot (Dave), Janna Trovato (Nick), Emily Shawn (Dylan), great grandmother, and “adopted” grandmother to far too many to name.

She loved life and lived it to the fullest right to her very last breath. While many over the years tried to dictate how she lived her life due to health concerns or worries, she refused to listen. She maximized every family vacation, every Mother’s Day run, every Christmas Eve Street hockey game, and every moment she could. She constantly surprised everyone with what she could do, not taking no as an acceptable answer. Over the past year, said she had a few things to do on this earth before she went to heaven to be with her true love and dearly missed Eugene “King” Emmerson. When the time was right, she passed her way, when she wanted, peacefully in her sleep.

She adored her family and sought many ways to be involved in everything they did. She was their biggest fan, cheered the loudest and bragged to all spectators and random strangers that she was related to them.

Her sense of humor and quick wit is one for the books. She often dropped one-liners that would crack up an entire room. She was a smart businesswoman and taught by example that hard work can make you a success in everything you do- inspiring many other women in the family to pursue their dreams and careers. “Never leave anyone or anything behind, give it your all” was her mantra.

She was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes at 4 years old, but that never stopped her from living a life full of adventure. With Diabetes, she had many challenging health ailments, but never let anything stop her from continuing to live her life to the fullest – often at the surprise of her doctors.

She was passionate about Golf and tried to continue the sport even while using her walker which got in the way. Even in her final years, she could be seen giving advice on chipping and putting at the dinner table.

She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will be missed by thousands of church community members she has touched over the decades.

Betty wanted to have a celebration of her life with those she loved. The family will honor that commitment and will send further details when they can all gather as a family and celebrate this wonderful woman who we will truly miss.

We are now proceeding with a Celebration of Life for mom on Saturday, September 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with tributes to be shared about 1:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 996 Strathcona Drive SW. For those who wish to attend virtually, the link is at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81384020156